Honolua Bay

Honolua Bay Is An Incredible Snorkel Spot

Honolua Bay on the west side of Maui is one of the top places on the island to snorkel. It’s a favorite of both locals and tourists, as the crystal-clear water lets even the most novice snorkeler have a good experience.

Honolua Bay

Honolua Bay does not have a sandy beach and is not a beach to spend the day lying around working on your tan. Everyone goes to this famous snorkeling location to snorkel, scuba dive, or just take in the incredible ocean views.

It also is one of the best places on Maui to see the island of Moloakai and to experience a true rainforest as you walk from your parking spot to the bay.

Honolua Bay has a rocky, boulder-filled beach that makes it difficult to walk and there are no good places to leave your possessions (bring as little as you with you to the bay). As you approach the bay, walk to your left to an area that has been cleared of large rocks and ocean debris and is a good place to leave your possessions.Directions: Everyone on Maui can tell you how to get to Honolua Bay, as it’s easy to take Hwy. 30 up the west side of the island. Stay on this road and pass through the town of Lahaina, the Kaanapali Beach Resort area, and the small communities of Honokowai, Kahana, Napili, and Kapalua.

Honolua Bay

Hwy. 30 does not take you through each town, but rather along an upper road that by-passes the resort communities and condo communities, plus all the stop lights. Keep Going!

Stay on Hwy. 30 until it becomes narrower and has more curves in the roadway. Drive slower as you might see fallen rocks on the road.

Between mile marker 31 and mile marker 32, you’ll come up on a large lookout to your left. Stop and look down on Honolua Bay, and get a good understanding of the lay-out of the snorkel areas and the beach area to place your possessions.

Drive about a half-mile further and you’ll start seeing places to park along the roadway. Make sure to get your vehicle completely off the roadway, and be sure to lock your vehicle and leave nothing within sight through the windows. This area has a reputation for a lot of break-ins of rental vehicles.

Honolua Bay Coastline

Honolua Bay Suggestions

* Take your snorkel, mask and fins with you. There is not a place to rent snorkel equipment nearby, and you want to have a good fit before you enter the water.

* Leave all valuable at your place of residence. You’ll be snorkeling out and away from the items you brought with you.

* There is not a lifeguard station nor restroom facilities in the bay. Take bottled water with you and a few snacks (energy bars, etc) with you.

* This is a natural sanctuary. Be very respectful of the fish and turtles you encounter while snorkeling.

* Read the signs about protecting the coral reefs before you enter the water and please observe the rules.

Green Sea Turtle

* Snorkel with a “buddy” and don’t swim alone. If for some reason you are by yourself, find some others nearby and hang-out somewhat close to them.

* Put your fins on your feet once you’re in the water. Don’t try and put them on while standing on the beach. It will be very difficult for you to do this.

Big Wave Taffy on Maui!

Take a look at our delicious Hawaii Flavorsof salt water taffy – our salt water taffy is soft and creamy and it makes a great gift item, too. The taffy is sold at many stores on Maui, and you can also order on-line with Big Wave Taffy.